variants
also skunk
as in dogs
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
he's nothing but a dirty, rotten skunk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bombs
to defeat by a large margin
we ended up skunking them, as our goalie was able to prevent the other team from scoring a single goal
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in masters
to achieve a victory over
our football team consistently skunks our traditional rivals Thanksgiving after Thanksgiving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stings
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
unwilling to let suppliers skunk him, the restaurant owner inspected every shipment before signing off on it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of skunks
Felicia Feaster, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026
The lakeshore bird also faces threats from predators like dogs, coyotes and skunks.
—Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Bruha said preventing access to those areas is one of the most effective ways to keep skunks from settling on a property.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Rabies is most common in wild animals including skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes.
—Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
To neutralize the skunk oil, use 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of dish soap.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Noun
Nothing is as attractive to a skunk as a cozy woodpile or rock pile to den in, says Fyffe, so keeping your yard free from those skunk havens is key.
—Felicia Feaster, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026
The lakeshore bird also faces threats from predators like dogs, coyotes and skunks.
—Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Bruha said preventing access to those areas is one of the most effective ways to keep skunks from settling on a property.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Rabies is most common in wild animals including skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes.
—Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
To neutralize the skunk oil, use 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of dish soap.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skunks
Noun
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In addition, Milk-Bone is hosting a rooftop screening and intergalactic rest-stop for Dogs in NYC for famous dogs and their owners, as well as press and influencers.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
-
Short-muzzle breeds like pugs and bull dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke, as are older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with medical conditions, according to Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.—
Eva Flowe
June 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
The campus is eerily silent, even as Israel attacks Lebanon and the United States bombs Iran.—
Jonathan Zimmerman,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2026
-
The United States bombs Iran's nuclear facilities days later.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Finally, Kim masters the steps and takes to the stage with confidence, as her family cheers her on!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
-
Levy masters one hilarious perplexed comedic reaction after another as Nicky, a closeted pastor with a zany, highly dysfunctional family.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nothing stings quite like being steps from getting your credit card out to make a glorious purchase, and finding that your promo code isn’t working.—
Hannah Chubb,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
-
If a memory stings during work, step away briefly, write a few lines, then return with cleaner focus for the task in front of you.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Noun
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The island village is beset by sea hags, serial killers, creepy clowns and other evils that interfere with Tom’s dream of turning Widow’s Bay into a Martha’s Vineyard-like tourist destination.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
17 June 2026
-
Bunch of virtue signaling clowns!—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Verb
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The vessel bends, blocks, and whips the wind into complex micro-currents before the air ever hits the sails.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
-
In the fourth minute, Meschack Elia whips a ball across the box to Bakambu, eight yards from goal.—
Franklin Leonard,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
Verb
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What will most likely play out at Night of Champions is that Rhodes somehow retains his WWE Championship while Uso defeats Femi to win the KOTR, likely due to interference from Brock Lesnar.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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But the governor’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year would limit companies’ ability to claim tax credits, which the entertainment groups argue defeats the purpose of the expansion.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Though Lesnar rarely cheats to win, Femi isn’t going to lose clean.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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Five average players committed to protecting the middle of the ice are more effective than four great ones and one who cheats for offence.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skunks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skunks. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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